I don’t run. I’ve tried and failed to see the pleasure in the monotony of right-foot-then-left-foot pounding on pavement with only the sound of my breath as a companion. If you see me running, it’s because REI is having a 1-hour only 90% off sale on new powder skis, and even then, my run would look like a rapid saunter. With this history of running avoidance, it’s no wonder that I politely declined when a team was organized by my friends for the Ragnar Wasatch Back relay.
Actually, I wasn’t even invited as my allergy to running on streets is well known among my peers. But since my friends, including my own wife, were training to compete in what is likely the world’s largest relay race, I was obliged to join the army of volunteers that make the race tick. So myself, along with two other spouses of runners on team Chafing Tail, signed up for the first shift at exchange 18 at East Canyon State Park near Morgan.
Volunteering was easy. Upon arrival, I helped set up the exchange by pitching canopies, unloading boxes of instant coffee and hot chocolate, setting up fences, and being trained on how to be a part of the official race crew by the volunteer coordinator.
His name was Trapper Skrypek, which sounds like the name of an evil military character in a Rambo movie. Images of us volunteers making coffee in formation while he barked orders came to mind. It turns out he really is military, but was actually a very unassuming, quiet guy who hid behind dark sunglasses and let the volunteers do their thing.
Now that I was part of the “official” race crew, I had the power to disqualify runners for safety violations. Sweetness.
Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to wield such power as the rest of my shift consisted of sitting in a lawn chair, watching the sun set over the mountains, waiting for the first runners to arrive. It was the perfect place to relax and take in the view. A beer in hand would have completed this perfection.
Eventually, the runners started to trickle in and I had the cake-walk job of making sure they entered the exchange chute instead of running down the middle of the road. I thought no runner could miss something so obvious, but at the end of a difficult leg, some runners were so zoned out that they really didn’t see the chute until I yelled at them to stay left. Clearly these men and women were working their tails off and I was impressed at their tenacity. I was also very glad not to be one of them.
A tinge of jealousy did bubble up, however, as runners crossed the exchange to the cheers of their friends and families. Team vans honked and played loud music, runners were dressed up in silly costumes, and support washed over the scene from all the participants who were waiting for their turn to run. It was a big party and I longed to be part of that camaraderie. It looked so fun that I almost decided to train for next year’s race. Then I remembered shin splints, foot blisters and stabbing knee-pain and quickly dispelled the thought.
Before I knew it, my shift was over when an enthusiastic volunteer grabbed my flashlight and reflective vest. I left East Canyon State Park at twilight and slowly drove down the highway, passing solitary runners marked by the flashing LED lights affixed to their clothes. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves in the cool, evening air amidst the scenery of the Wasatch Back, despite the fact that they were running. The thought crossed my mind that maybe there is something to this running thing… but I think I’ll stick to volunteering.
For more information, visit RagnarRelay.com
Well said. Thank you for volunteering. I was a runner and am grateful to all who sacrificed their time to support us. Thank you so much! I used to think as you do, that runners are freaks of nature. Now I am sure of it and I am addicted to it! Looking forward to my next race already, feeling the withdrawals.
Jared, I bet you were the best volunteer ever. Well, you and your two friends probably shared that honor. Thanks for doing this…people like you are just as special as the ones wearing the headlamps and LEDs. 🙂
Nice post Jared!
I volunteered as well this weekend, figuring that I should see things from another point of view after being a runner in the relay for the past 4 years.
My shift at Exchange 34 / top of Guardsman was definitely NOT a cakewalk. I was one of several people directing traffic, and it was a non-stop line of vans for the 6+ hour shift. Still, it was a satisfying experience, and I enjoyed seeing all the runners and the decorated vans.
Thanks for the comments guys. I really did have a fun time volunteering for Ragnar, and I’m also very impressed with everyone who ran the thing.
I would like to volunteer for this years race. My faincee would like to as well